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Last updated on September 15, 2008

As a community based, non-profit chartered member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America our mission is very specific: create " The Positive Place for Kids" in the Central Blackstone Valley area. Our purpose: help develop positive self-esteem in our young people in order that they maximize their fullest potential as individuals. To this mission and our purpose we have dedicated our existence.

History:
In 1804, the Blackstone Manufacturing Company (BMC) purchased 254 acres of land in the South Parish of Mendon. This land was eventually incorporated as part of the town of Blackstone. During the 1800’s, the BMC operated as a textile mill.

In the late 1950’s, Earl Tupper purchased the 254 acres of land from the BMC. Mr. Tupper used the land primarily to manufacture and store his newly invented Tupperware plastic products. Eventually, Mr. Tupper built a 12 acre park to be utilized by Tupperware employees and their families.

Tupperware Company was sold in the late 1980’s to the Blackstone Smithfield Corporation. After the transfer of ownership, the park was not used from 1988 through 1995. In response to a critical shortage in local after-school and youth services, a group of concerned Blackstone Valley residents formed the non-profit Blackstone Valley Boys & Girls Club (BVBGC) and leased the 12-acre park from the new owners in 1995.

With the help of volunteers and a very limited budget, the concerned local residents successfully ran a summer program for 400 children. In 1996 David King, Executive Director of the Champlin Foundation, visited the 12-acre park and subsequently approved a Champlin Foundation disbursement of funds to purchase the site from the Blackstone Smithfield Corporation.

We take a program and facility oriented approach. Through generous donations and grants from The Boys & Girls Clubs of America as well as many Foundations and campus currently houses a new 12,000 square foot gymnasium, an in-ground swimming amphitheatre, playground, a 1811 granite Stone House recreation center (formerly used to store Mr. Tupper’s plastic products) and administrative offices all in a charming treed setting along the Blackstone River.

Today, we have 1300+ members who utilize the club for year-round activities. Our summer program, after-school programs and athletic programs all incorporate the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s strategy of promoting learning and cultural enrichment through a variety of activities. Our programs for children have truly become “THE POSITIVE PLACE FOR KIDS.”

Contact people:

Sarah Haworth, Program Director, 508-883-6363, (email) Bruce Paterson, CEO, 508-883-6363, (email)

Address:

P.O. Box 283, 115 Canal Street Blackstone, MA 01504

Web Site: http://www.bvbgc.com

Directions:

Rt. 146 North… Take the Forestdale-Slatersville Exit. Take a right off the ramp At set of lights, take a right onto 146A. At second set of lights take a left onto St. Paul Street. A Lil’General will be on your right. Follow St. Paul Street to the end. Take a left at the set of lights onto Main Street/Route 122. Follow Main Street through Blackstone center and take a left onto Old Mendon Street. Go straight at the stop sign. Go under train trestle bridge into the Club’s parking lot. The gym is up the driveway on the right.

Miscellaneous Information

Handicap accessible?
	No
Interests Served:
	Solutions for Children, Youth, Families
Does your agency accept court-appointed volunteers?
	Yes

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